Josai University Educational Corporation

NEWS

The 19th Annual Czech Debate Contest is held at Josai

On May 25, the 19th Annual Czech Debate Contest was held under the auspice of the Embassy of the Czech Republic at Tokyo Kioicho Campus of Josai University Educational Corporation.

Until this year, the contest was held annually at the Czech Embassy, but with the embassy currently undergoing renovation, Josai provide a venue for the contest. As a part of their Mid-term Target, Josai has actively conducted exchanges with universities from Central European countries such as the Czech Republic. Josai also began offering a course on the Czech language for the first time this year.

Ambassador Kateřina Fialková provided opening remarks before the debate, saying, “With each year, the positive reputation of this event continues to grow. I believe that this debate contest is partially responsible for the increased number of Czech speaking Japanese who will serve as links for Japanese-Czech amnesty. This is the first time that the debate will take place outside the Czech Embassy, at Josai University. I would like to express my deep gratitude to Chancellor Noriko Mizuta and all those involved in making this event possible.” Chancellor Mizuta also gave a brief greeting by saying, “It is a great honor for Josai to host the Czech Debate Contest. It is my hope that Josai students who have started studying the Czech language will compete in the context next year.”

There were ten participants, both male and female, in this year’s contest. The proceedings began with each contestant giving a self-introduction in Czech. They then each gave a five-minute speech on one of two set topics, either “food and household customs” or “personal plans for the future.” While each contestant differed in age, grade, learning experience, and environment, all demonstrated the fruits of their hard work before a large audience.

Based on the scrupulous assessment of the five judge panel of Ambassador Fialková, Professor Kenichi Abe (Rikkyo University), Professor Markéta Gebhartová (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies), Kôhei Tsukamoto (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Central and South Eastern Europe Division), and Ryôko Yamamoto (Czech Center), Hikari Utsuda was given first prize, receiving her certificate and prize of a one-month study abroad stay at a Czech university including airfare from Prague to other European cities, from Ambassador Fialková.
    In addition, contestant Tomoko Ôe received honorable mention with the—special to this year’s contest—Noriko Mizuta Chancellor’s Award along with a certificate and memento from Chancellor Mizuta.
    To close the event, three Josai student representatives who began studying the Czech language last April took the stage to give greetings and announce their aspirations for the future in Czech. We have great expectations for these students in terms of their improvement in the Czech language and ability to promote global communication.

In addition, the Mizuta Art Gallery located in the 3rd building of campus held a special photography exhibition entitled “Josai and Czech Exchange,” coordinated in conjunction with the debate contest. As part of Josai’s Mid-term-Target of strengthening international exchange to cultivate global human resources, our university has formed academic exchange programs with a number of institutions worldwide, with a particular emphasis on universities in Eastern Europe. During Chancellor Mizuta’s visit to the Czech Republic last March, Josai was able to form an academic exchange agreement with the University of Economics, Prague thanks to the gracious introduction of Ambassador Fialková. This agreement will be followed by another Josai visit to the Czech Republic in June, with stops at the aforementioned University of Economics, Charles University in Prague, and Masaryk University.
    The exhibition featured numerous photos of the beautiful Czech landscape, Josai’s visit to the Czech Republic last June, various symposia and events related to the Czech Republic that have been held at Josai, and other photos that introduce Czech music, literature, animation, puppet theater, and other products of their unique culture.

Ambassador Fialková delivers her greeting

Ambassador Fialková delivers her greeting

Chancellor Mizuta addresses the audience

Chancellor Mizuta addresses the audience

The debate contest in progress

The debate contest in progress

Ms. Hikari Utsuda during her prize-winning debate

Ms. Hikari Utsuda during her prize-winning debate

Ms. Utsuda shakes hands with Ambassador Fialková during the award ceremony

Ms. Utsuda shakes hands with
Ambassador Fialková during the award ceremony

Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award, Tomoko Ôe (center)

Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award, Tomoko Ôe (center)

A commemorative photo with contestants and judges

A commemorative photo with contestants and judges

Ambassadors view the photography exhibition at the 3rd building art gallery

Ambassadors view the photography exhibition at
the 3rd building art gallery


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